Teaming up for men's health
UTS researchers are working towards creating a supportive zone for men to recharge, be healthy and connect.
On average, men living in Australia die six years younger than women. This staggering gap can be attributed to a lack of physical activity, poor diet and deteriorating mental health amongst men.
Unfortunately, health promotion programs often fail to engage men in discussions about their own physical and mental wellbeing, alienating those who need it most.
Associate Professor Cristina Caperchione, from the Human Performance Research Centre, is about to change that.
In order to develop new and exciting ways to support men’s health, Cristina is working towards understanding what men want when it comes to their health.
Specifically, Cristina is investigating how we can promote healthy behaviours amongst males while still keeping their masculine identities and values intact – and she may have already figured it out.
Her extensive research led to the design and development of the international award-winning HAT TRICK program, a gender-sensitised health promotion program aimed at improving physical activity, healthy eating, and mental fitness.
Cristina says, “HAT TRICK harnesses the important elements that work for men. We’re focused on creating small, manageable lifestyle changes that are delivered in fun and interactive ways that resonate with men.”
Now, Cristina and her team are working to refine the HAT TRICK program, ensuring that it is tailored to diverse sub-groups of men, including those living with chronic disease (such as prostate cancer), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, and older, aged men.
“This pragmatic level of tailoring addresses the specific challenges and needs of these different sub-groups, while also supporting a true transition from research to community practice,” she says.
Initially trialled in Canada, the HAT TRICK program is primed for success amongst Australian communities, with Cristina set to deliver sessions to groups as early as March this year.
If you know of any men that might be interested in participating in this free 12-week program, please contact Elizabeth Marin or call 02 9514 5210.
